DAY 31 Mar. 1: The thought for today is PRAISE. Appreciation helps people to grow. Offer praise to the people you encounter today for their personal qualities, achievements or helpful service. Telling someone what you appreciate about them is paramount in nonviolent communication.
Praise is important for ourselves, too. Louise Hay says “Praise yourself as much as...
DAY 30 Feb. 28: The thought for today is MAKING AMENDS. The other side of forgiveness is making amends, when it is you who has been - or needs to be - forgiven for hurt or wrongdoing you may have caused. As with forgiveness, the gift of making amends - to yourself and to whoever has been hurt or wronged - is revealed when it is given unconditionally from your heart. ...
DAY 29 Feb. 27: The thought for today is FORGIVENESS. When we forgive, we do not condone hurtful behavior. When we realize that there is something within us that is more important than this hurtful experience, we are free to let go of the past and move on with our lives. In doing so, we open our hearts to the humanity of those we forgive.
As we forgive others, we are...
DAY 28 Feb. 26: The thought for today is LISTENING. Can you stop what you are doing and thinking, and take time to truly listen to the feelings behind someone’s words to you? Being fully present for the conversation and interested in what that person is saying is a practice of nonviolence.
A component of Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication" involves...
DAY 27 Feb. 25: The thought for today is GENEROSITY. Mother Teresa said, “There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart.” Look at ways you can contribute to your family, friends and community through your generosity. You will see how your generous gift comes back to you.
The more generous you are today, the more...
DAY 26 Feb. 24: The thought for today is RESPECT. Gandhi taught “Language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” Respecting yourself and others means making a choice not to use profanity or ‘put downs’. Let our language be based on respect for those we address. The life of peace excludes no one. Let your words reflect your respect for...
DAY 25 Feb. 23: The thought for today is FRIENDLINESS. To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn’t met. View those you encounter today in that light. Every time I am friendly toward another, I help break down the wall of separation and I contribute to nonviolence.
Today: I will make a new acquaintance, befriend a stranger. I will go up to...
DAY 24 Feb. 22: The thought for today is HARMONY. Choosing NOT to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony. Choosing to see the good in others rather than finding fault leads to peaceful relationships. Look for the good in yourself and in others. By making these choices, we are contributing to a culture of nonviolence, we are being a model of...
